Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards Strategy 2: Full scale piloting of the public sector accounting standards and manual and development and implementation of the automated accounting system.

The project concerned the formulation and first phases of implementation of the new Armenian public sector accounting standards. The main tasks included:

Update of public sector accounting standards to comply with the Ministry of Finance accounting instruction and international standards;

Update draft accounting legal framework and manual and subsequently pilot the new documents;

Finalisation accounting legal framework and manual;

Development of a detailed implementation plan for the introduction of the new system;

Training of trainers;

Preparation of system requirements specifications for Automated Accounting System (AAS) and subsequent introduction and piloting of the AAS.

Four Assist, as member of a consortium led by Family and Child Care Centre (KMOP), Greece, was awarded this project in October 2011. The purpose of the project was to strengthen the Kosovar institutions responsible for the fight against human trafficking. These institutions included the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice of Kosovo. One of the key features of the project was to assist the authorities with the implementation of the national strategy on anti-trafficking and provide advice for the tackling of organised crime. Four Assist mobilised a number of international and local experts, contributing to the implementation of all key project components, namely: establishment of a national coordination system to assist victims of trafficking; review and harmonisation of standards and procedures related to the provision of services to victims of trafficking; awareness raising of the general public, regarding the risks of trafficking, and of the victims about existing remedies and services; capacity building of Kosovo authorities to reintegrate victims of trafficking; enhancement of efficiency of enforcement measures against trafficking and domestic violence.

Support mission 2: Budget Support conditionalities for the education sector.

The objective of this assignment was to support the EU Delegation in Lao PDR and the Government in formulating a budget support programme. The assignment involved two experts that undertook the core analysis of the current social and economic situation in the context of the national development strategy. Specific attention was given to the macroeconomic situation and the status of the public financial management system. Sector policies in the priority areas of health and education were assessed to determine the policy objectives and disbursement criteria for the programme. The analysis provided the basis for discussions between the EU Delegation and the Government for agreement on the budget support operation.

Our experts assisted the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia in the strengthening of the Arbitration System for commercial companies . The work involved the development a complete set of rules and procedures for Arbitration in accordance with European standards. Following the overview of the commercial dispute regulations and practices, modifications to the Armenian legislation related to Arbitration were proposed aiming at full conformity with international arbitration rules (UNCITRAL). Also, our experts developed a Code of Ethics for Armenian arbitrators and the legal basis for the creation of an Arbitral Institute in Armenia, which is envisaged as an Institution jointly controlled by the State and the Private Sector serving as an umbrella for all Arbitration matters in the country. The project designed an awareness campaign targeting businesses and other parties involved in commercial disputes, on the advantages of Arbitration. The specific campaign included the design, printing and dissemination of informative brochures, the creation of a web site, and two large conferences attended by representatives of concerned stakeholders and the media.